Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that brings together the richness of creamy cheesecake, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the indulgent depth of chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or romantic evenings, this treat is as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of textures—from the buttery crust to the smooth filling and glossy chocolate topping—makes each bite irresistible.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

graham cracker crumbssugarunsalted buttercream cheeseeggsvanilla extractgranulated sugarsour creamfresh strawberriessemisweet chocolate heavy cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

Remove and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Topping

Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the chilled cheesecake.

Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped semisweet chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.

Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the strawberries, allowing some to drip down the sides.

Refrigerate until set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10–12 slices.Preparation time: 30 minutesBaking time: 55–65 minutesCooling and chilling time: 5–6 hoursTotal time: 6.5–7.5 hours

Variations

Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers for extra chocolate flavor.

Swap in white chocolate ganache for a different twist.

Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cheesecake and strawberries for more fruitiness.

Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a crunchy contrast.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.To thaw, leave in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating as cheesecake is best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for presentation, but frozen can work if thoroughly thawed and drained.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks can happen from overbaking or rapid cooling—using a water bath and letting it cool gradually helps prevent this.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect to make a day in advance. Just add the ganache and strawberries before serving.

How do I slice it cleanly?

Use a warm, sharp knife and wipe between cuts for clean slices.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, though it will result in a sweeter ganache topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for when you want to impress and indulge. With its elegant layers and balanced flavors, it’s sure to become a show-stopping favorite for birthdays, holidays, or any day that deserves a little decadence.